The year is winding down, but the story goes on in these notable sequels for young readers. Follow the hunt for an elusive writer who has been leaving notes for the trucks at the construction site; the battle for the Heavens against a friend-turned-foe; the return of a first love from the past; and more.


Early Readers

Construction Site: You’re Just Right by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illus. by AG Ford (Chronicle, Dec. 20 $12.99; ISBN 978-1-797-20430-7)

In this interactive tale from the creators of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Valentine’s Day has arrived and every truck finds a special note just for them. But who is the mystery writer? The book features flaps throughout that help uncover the secret messages.


Novels

The Excalibur Curse by Kiersten White (Delacorte, Dec. 7 $18.99; ISBN 978-0-525-58175-8)

In the conclusion to the Camelot Rising Trilogy, Guinevere has fallen into the hands of her enemies. Lancelot is trapped on the other side of the magical barrier they created to protect Camelot, and Arthur has been led away from his kingdom. But the greatest danger isn’t what lies ahead of Guinevere—it’s what’s been buried inside her.


Girl Giant and the Jade War by Van Hoang (Roaring Brook, Dec. 7 $17.99; ISBN 978-1-250-24044-6)

Flying Starts author Hoang is back with this sequel to Girl Giant and the Monkey King. Thom Ngoh thought the Monkey King was her friend. But he was using her by tricking her into stealing from the Heavens and releasing him from his 500-year prison. Now the Monkey King is waging a war against the Heavens and Thom must do everything in her power to fix the mess she made.


Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (Quill Tree, Dec. 28 $19.99; ISBN 978-0-06-307163-6)

Continuing the story between Arthur and Ben from What If It’s Us, Ben has survived his freshman year of college but feels more stuck than ever. But there is a bright spot in Mario, his writing partner. Only he can’t stop thinking of a certain boy from his past. Meanwhile, Arthur is back in NYC for the first time in two years and is apart from his boyfriend, Mikey. Then his ex stumbles back into the picture.


The Last Weave by Andrew Zurcher (on sale December 7)

In this conclusion to Twelve Nights, Kay’s father is still missing and so is Ell. With time running out as the 12 nights come to an end, Kay must solve the riddles laid before her in this new land of Bithynia—and help restore the world to order—before her dad and sister are gone forever.


The Righteous by Renée Ahdieh (Putnam, Dec. 7 $19.99; ISBN 978-1-984812-61-2)

The third installment to The Beautiful Quartet series finds Odette facing a vampire’s final death. The Court of the Lions have done everything they can to save her but have failed. A healer from the Sylvan Vale could help her, but only Arjun Desai, as a half fey, can cross the boundary between realms. But it is a world Arjun despises.